Understanding nature of war

Studying military theory, contemporary conflicts and solving scenario-based problems helped personnel develop critical thinking and judgement during the inaugural Apex program.

Launched in late March, the program strengthens intellectual foundations of land power and examines moral and ethical dimensions of warfare.

Directed by CA and led by Michael Evans, the program brings together selected senior NCOs and junior officers for five weeks of remote study, followed by a residential phase at RMC-D.

“One of the major emphases of this course is helping our people understand the difference between the nature and the character of war and how the character of war is constantly changing,” Prof Evans said.

Syndicate director of the course Col Helen Mammino said Apex was an investment in junior leaders, challenging them to understand the strategic environment and translate complex ideas into practical action.

“We’re not asking them to solve Army’s problems, just to understand what’s within their control at the unit level,” Col Mammino said.

Course participant Sgt Matthew Carlson, of HQ Regional Force Surveillance Group, said the course stood apart from traditional career training through its academic depth and exposure to leading military thinkers.

From an intelligence perspective, Sgt Carlson said the course strengthened understanding of how traditional doctrine could be applied to modern and emerging battlefields, including lessons from Ukraine and developments in AI.